COVID-19
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What does COVID-19 mean?
The name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ ‘D’ for disease, and '19' for '2019,' the year is was discovered.
Free guidance and education available for radon testing in Oregon’s multifamily buildings
Not too long ago, when a multifamily housing owner in Oregon wanted to test their building for radon levels, they were hard pressed to find easy-to-follow and affordable information on how to do it. It’s not required for private property owners, and most of the existing materials on the subject are overly technical and costly.
But now, OHA offers multifamily building owners across the state a free, comprehensive and straight-forward guide, Radon Testing for Multifamily Buildings. The publication was directly inspired by radon testing efforts in Portland’s public housing properties and will help Oregon’s multifamily building owners and managers accurately test their buildings for elevated radon—the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
“It was clear that local housing authorities could use more support and encouragement for radon testing,” said Jara Popinga, OHA’s Radon Awareness Program coordinator.
But now, OHA offers multifamily building owners across the state a free, comprehensive and straight-forward guide, Radon Testing for Multifamily Buildings. The publication was directly inspired by radon testing efforts in Portland’s public housing properties and will help Oregon’s multifamily building owners and managers accurately test their buildings for elevated radon—the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
“It was clear that local housing authorities could use more support and encouragement for radon testing,” said Jara Popinga, OHA’s Radon Awareness Program coordinator.
Getting flu vaccines will ease strained Oregon hospitals
This year’s flu season is showing signs of being severe and peaking early. Public health officials in Oregon predict that people will likely be hospitalized with the flu at a rate similar to years prior to COVID-19. And with COVID-19 cases expected to rise as winter moves in, Oregon hospitals, already struggling with staffing shortages, risk being overwhelmed.
“Your flu vaccine is extremely important this year — and certainly more than it has been in the last two years when we had virtually no flu that was circulating,” said Peter Graven, Ph.D., director of Oregon Health and Science University’s Office of Advanced Analytics. “The flu is probably going to be at least as important this year as COVID.”
“Your flu vaccine is extremely important this year — and certainly more than it has been in the last two years when we had virtually no flu that was circulating,” said Peter Graven, Ph.D., director of Oregon Health and Science University’s Office of Advanced Analytics. “The flu is probably going to be at least as important this year as COVID.”
Long COVID-19: 5 facts about the legally protected, chronic illness
About one in five adults in the United States who reported having COVID-19 in the past still have symptoms of long COVID-19, well after recovering from their initial infection. That’s about one in 13 of all U.S. adults. Long COVID refers to lingering or new symptoms that develop after someone recovers from a COVID-19 infection and can last for weeks, months or years. Symptoms can include prolonged fatigue, nerve pain and gastrointestinal issues, and not everyone experiences the condition in the same way.
For people in Oregon who have trouble functioning in their jobs due to long COVID, there are protections, such as the Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA), as well as the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
On Oct. 5, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) hosted a webinar in which experts discussed the latest discoveries about long COVID as well as worker protections and disability resources.
Five key takeaways from the webinar:
For people in Oregon who have trouble functioning in their jobs due to long COVID, there are protections, such as the Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA), as well as the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
On Oct. 5, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) hosted a webinar in which experts discussed the latest discoveries about long COVID as well as worker protections and disability resources.
Five key takeaways from the webinar:
- Long COVID is a condition that can affect people in dramatically different ways.
- Anyone who gets COVID-19 can get long COVID. Even a mild infection in a vaccinated person can lead to long COVID.
- Under the OFLA, workers in Oregon can take up to 12 weeks of protected leave, knowing their job will still be there when they return. The law allows for protected leave to be unpaid.
- Long COVID is protected by the ADA. Anyone who has symptoms that inhibit major life activities (including breathing, thinking or standing) can request work accommodations such as a flexible work schedule.
- Long COVID is a chronic illness that may take months, if not years, for health care systems, employers and society to fully adapt to and understand.
Updated (bivalent) boosters arrive in Oregon; hMPXV update
Dean Sidelinger, M.D. MSEd, health officer and state epidemiologist, encouraged all eligible Oregonians to get the newly approved COVID-19 booster during a media availability yesterday. “As we head into fall, as more of us spend time indoors, the updated booster will be the best way to protect ourselves and those around us from severe illness and hospitalization caused by the predominant BA.5 and BA.4 COVID-19 subvariants,” he said.
To find the updated booster, check with your doctor, local pharmacy or visit any of Oregon Health Authority's (OHA) vaccine clinics listed here. As doses arrive in Oregon, not all vaccine clinics or pharmacies may have the new booster, so check before you go.
Monkeypox (hMPXV) update
Sidelinger said OHA has counted 179 presumptive and confirmed cases of monkeypox as of yesterday. He said Oregon has distributed, or is in the process of distributing, more than 40,080 doses of the Jynneos vaccine and 263 courses of the investigational antiviral drug known as tecovirimat — or TPOXX — since June 20. He encouraged people to talk to their providers about testing if they have symptoms of monkeypox.
To find the updated booster, check with your doctor, local pharmacy or visit any of Oregon Health Authority's (OHA) vaccine clinics listed here. As doses arrive in Oregon, not all vaccine clinics or pharmacies may have the new booster, so check before you go.
Monkeypox (hMPXV) update
Sidelinger said OHA has counted 179 presumptive and confirmed cases of monkeypox as of yesterday. He said Oregon has distributed, or is in the process of distributing, more than 40,080 doses of the Jynneos vaccine and 263 courses of the investigational antiviral drug known as tecovirimat — or TPOXX — since June 20. He encouraged people to talk to their providers about testing if they have symptoms of monkeypox.
U.S. declares monkeypox a public health emergency
Although monkeypox (hMPXV) cases are rising in Oregon, it may be helpful to remember that monkeypox is not another COVID-19. The best thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones is to learn about monkeypox, understand how it is spread and who is most at risk.
Today, OHA launched a revamped webpage that aims to answer all of your questions. The page provides information and resources on risk, testing, vaccines, treatments, personal protective measures, guidance on isolation and answers to what to do if you’ve been exposed and other frequently asked questions.
The page will update the number of cases in Oregon every Wednesday. As of today, August 11, there are 95 presumptive and confirmed cases of monkeypox in Oregon, including 92 men and 3 women. There are no cases of monkeypox in Oregon among children.
One common question is about how monkeypox is spread. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Today, OHA launched a revamped webpage that aims to answer all of your questions. The page provides information and resources on risk, testing, vaccines, treatments, personal protective measures, guidance on isolation and answers to what to do if you’ve been exposed and other frequently asked questions.
The page will update the number of cases in Oregon every Wednesday. As of today, August 11, there are 95 presumptive and confirmed cases of monkeypox in Oregon, including 92 men and 3 women. There are no cases of monkeypox in Oregon among children.
One common question is about how monkeypox is spread. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Monkeypox spreads primarily through close skin-to-skin contact. This may include sex, cuddling, massage and kissing.
- Much less often, monkeypox could spread through contact with towels, clothing or other objects that have been in contact with monkeypox lesions.
- Large respiratory droplets or oral fluids that might come from prolonged face-to-face contact could also transmit the virus, but it is uncommon.
- Most cases of monkeypox have been detected among gay or bisexual men or men who report having sex with other men.
Novavax vaccine available at OHA’s high-volume clinics
The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is available at Oregon Health Authority's (OHA) three high-volume vaccination clinics in Beaverton (Tektronix), Wood Village (Multnomah Greyhound Park) and Eugene (Valley River Center). See our blog for location details.
Supply is limited, and availability of the Novavax vaccine is not guaranteed upon arrival. In the coming days and weeks, check Get Vaccinated Oregon to search for other locations around Oregon that may have Novavax in stock.
Supply is limited, and availability of the Novavax vaccine is not guaranteed upon arrival. In the coming days and weeks, check Get Vaccinated Oregon to search for other locations around Oregon that may have Novavax in stock.
Reinfections and Hospital Capacity
Many health experts initially thought immunity from COVID-19 vaccination or infection would slow down reinfections, but Omicron changed that. The increased transmissibility of COVID-19 has caused some people to be infected more than once. In some case, three or four times.
Hospitals across Oregon are facing capacity and staffing issues related to high COVID-19 spread and other reasons. OHA wants to encourage those experiencing non-emergency symptoms to contact their health care provider or local urgent care clinic before seeking emergency room care.
Hospitals across Oregon are facing capacity and staffing issues related to high COVID-19 spread and other reasons. OHA wants to encourage those experiencing non-emergency symptoms to contact their health care provider or local urgent care clinic before seeking emergency room care.
Expiration dates on at-home COVID-19 tests extended
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the expiration dates for many at-home COVID-19 tests. Because these tests were quickly developed during the pandemic and authorized for emergency use by the FDA, many have short expiration periods (e.g., six months). As more time passes and test manufacturers can show that tests continue to work well beyond the initial expiration period, expiration dates are extended. If your at-home COVID-19 test has expired, check this website to see if the expiration date has been extended.
Skin cancer: spotting it early is critical
The pandemic has caused many of us to overlook other aspects of our health, such as skin cancer screenings. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and some people may be surprised to learn that Oregon ranks in the top 10 for rates of melanoma cases and related deaths. The good news is there is plenty you can do about it. Read on for more, including skin cancer myths and tips for prevention.
How to avoid counterfeit at-home COVID-19 tests
There are several at-home COVID-19 tests authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the agency has confirmed that counterfeit tests are also circulating throughout the United States. Counterfeit tests are not authorized by the FDA and may not function properly.
At this time, the FDA has identified two counterfeit tests that are made to look a lot like Flowflex COVID-19 Test Kits and iHealth Antigen Rapid Test Kits. If you have either of those tests, look for the following signs that they may be counterfeit:
Below is an example showing the difference between a counterfeit Flowflex test box and a legitimate one. The counterfeit box is missing the lot number, expiration date and QR code that is found on FDA-authorized Flowflex test boxes. Inside the box, it may also lack Spanish-language instructions.
At this time, the FDA has identified two counterfeit tests that are made to look a lot like Flowflex COVID-19 Test Kits and iHealth Antigen Rapid Test Kits. If you have either of those tests, look for the following signs that they may be counterfeit:
- Poor print quality of text or images
- Missing information on the outside box label, such as lot number, expiration date, barcode or QR code
- Grammatical or spelling errors on the product label
- Components of the kit do not match the content description on the box
Below is an example showing the difference between a counterfeit Flowflex test box and a legitimate one. The counterfeit box is missing the lot number, expiration date and QR code that is found on FDA-authorized Flowflex test boxes. Inside the box, it may also lack Spanish-language instructions.
Mask Reminder:
Portland International Airport and TriMet have lifted their mask requirements, with masks optional. Multnomah County Public Health strongly recommends that people continue masking on all public transportation.
Long COVID protected by Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
If you had COVID-19 and still have symptoms of fatigue, nerve pain or brain fog, you may have a condition called Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID (PASC), better known as “long COVID.” If your symptoms interfere with your ability to do your job, you may have the right to receive reasonable accommodations from your employer under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Read on to learn more about the ADA and how it protects employees with disabilities, including those with long COVID.
To keep your health benefits:
If you are an Oregon Health Plan (OHP) member, please make sure your contact information is up to date so Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Department of Health and Human Services (ODHS) and your Coordinated Care Organization can contact you to make sure you can keep your benefits.
To update your contact information, call 800-699-9075 to report changes over the phone.
To update your contact information, call 800-699-9075 to report changes over the phone.
Free flu vaccines
Although flu season usually ends in April, flu cases are rising now in Oregon. Public health experts encourage anyone six months and older who has not had a flu shot this season to get one. Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) high-volume COVID-19 vaccination sites in Beaverton, Salem and Wood Village now offer free flu shots, in addition to COVID-19 vaccines and boosters for all age groups. No appointments or proof of insurance or immigration status are required. Read on for more including details on locations and hours of operations.
The relationship between sleep and good health
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About one in three people in Oregon report getting fewer than seven hours of sleep per night which, according to experts, is not enough. This can lead to chronic conditions such as depression, heart attack, cancer, stroke, asthma and obesity. And when you add the stress that comes from life during a pandemic, our immune systems have to work overtime to protect us.
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Understanding a negative COVID-19 test result
Even if you got a negative COVID-19 test result, you could still be infected. To keep others safe, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that if you have COVID-19 symptoms or were exposed to someone who tested positive, wear a well-fitting mask for 10 full days when around others, even if you tested negative.
COVID-19 testing: What’s true or false?
With so much information out there about COVID-19, it can be hard to know what’s true or false. For instance, you may have heard that COVID-19 tests can’t detect the Omicron variant. Thankfully, that’s false! If you do test positive and have questions, visit our Test Positive page or call our hotline (866-917-8881).
Oregon opens new high-volume site for free COVID-19 vaccinations, boosters and testing
As the Omicron variant continues to spread, the need for increased access to vaccinations, boosters and testing grows. To help fill the demand, a new high-volume site opened in Portland.
Portland (vaccines, boosters and testing): PDX Expo, 2060 N. Marine Dr.
Portland (vaccines, boosters and testing): PDX Expo, 2060 N. Marine Dr.
- Appointments for vaccines and boosters are not required. Check our blog for the latest information about scheduling a testing appointment.
- Opens Monday, Jan. 24, operating daily, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Outdoor drive-thru site
Place Your Order for Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of 4 free at-home tests from USPS.com. Here’s what you need to know about your order:
- Limit of one order per residential address
- One order includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests
- Orders will ship free starting in late January
New website helps people who test positive for COVID-19
As the Omicron variant begins to drive case counts higher in Oregon, many more people need guidance and resources to ensure they and those around them stay safe.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has launched a new website that includes what to do if you test positive, if you have been exposed, and how to seek resources if you’re isolating at home and need support.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has launched a new website that includes what to do if you test positive, if you have been exposed, and how to seek resources if you’re isolating at home and need support.
COVID-19 testing is available to students in Oregon public and private schools
In our ongoing series about the layered health and safety measures that Oregon schools have implemented in an effort to keep schools open for in-person instruction, let’s take a look at testing.
Every layer matters
Regular COVID-19 testing will help Oregon schools identify cases of COVID-19 infection early. Combined with cohorting, this will also help schools determine which students and staff need to isolate or quarantine to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
There are two student testing programs available to all public and private schools in Oregon. The optional student testing programs are:
To learn more, read OHA’s frequently asked questions about K-12 testing programs.
Every layer matters
Regular COVID-19 testing will help Oregon schools identify cases of COVID-19 infection early. Combined with cohorting, this will also help schools determine which students and staff need to isolate or quarantine to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
There are two student testing programs available to all public and private schools in Oregon. The optional student testing programs are:
- Diagnostic testing for K-12 students – Abbott BinaxNOW rapid tests.
- Screening testing for unvaccinated students using molecular (PCR)
To learn more, read OHA’s frequently asked questions about K-12 testing programs.
How to spot a vaccine scam
Unfortunately, sometimes when people try to schedule vaccine appointments, they may be at risk of falling prey to scammers.
The Oregon Department of Justice offers these tips on how to spot a vaccine scam:
The Oregon Department of Justice offers these tips on how to spot a vaccine scam:
- You cannot pay for access to the vaccine. If someone calls to make an appointment for you in exchange for payment, hang up.
- The vaccine is free. If someone is asking you to pay for the vaccine, they are trying to take advantage of you.
- Nobody legitimate will call, text or email about the vaccine and ask for your Social Security number, bank account information or credit card number.
- You are not required to provide a Social Security number when registering for a vaccine appointment.
Connecting children to the services they need to thrive
Help Me Grow (HMG) is a national program that collaborates and coordinates across early childhood and health sectors to help identify children at risk for developmental delay so that they receive the services they need.
In Oregon, Help Me Grow is a free and confidential resource for families, health providers and community service providers offering connection to local services, and information on developmental promotion and learning activities that support healthy growth for children ages 0 to 6 in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties.
To learn more visit, Help Me Grow Oregon.
In Oregon, Help Me Grow is a free and confidential resource for families, health providers and community service providers offering connection to local services, and information on developmental promotion and learning activities that support healthy growth for children ages 0 to 6 in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties.
To learn more visit, Help Me Grow Oregon.
Medicare benefits enrollment available now
The new 2022 Oregon Guide to Medicare Insurance Plans is now available to help you decide which plan works best for you.
This enrollment period includes Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans. Medicare plans and coverage for prescription drugs change each year, so it is important for Oregonians who are enrolled in Medicare to evaluate their plan options and make changes during open enrollment.
The Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program with the Oregon Department of Human Services is available to help Oregonians understand
The Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA) also has counselors available to help you understand your Medicare options and benefits, provide enrollment guidance, and answer any questions related to Medicare benefits. Find them by visiting https://SHIBA.Oregon.gov or calling (800) 722-4134 (toll-free).
This enrollment period includes Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans. Medicare plans and coverage for prescription drugs change each year, so it is important for Oregonians who are enrolled in Medicare to evaluate their plan options and make changes during open enrollment.
The Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program with the Oregon Department of Human Services is available to help Oregonians understand
The Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA) also has counselors available to help you understand your Medicare options and benefits, provide enrollment guidance, and answer any questions related to Medicare benefits. Find them by visiting https://SHIBA.Oregon.gov or calling (800) 722-4134 (toll-free).
Need help? Visit the Oregon Employment Department’s resources webpage for available programs and services
Since federal benefit programs ended Sept. 4, you may be looking for help. The Oregon Employment Department has put together a resources webpage where you can find out about programs and services available to you, like SNAP, rental and housing help, small business assistance and more.
Need a ride to your vaccination appointment? Help is available
There are so many things to take care of in our day-to-day lives that it can be difficult to prioritize our health. If you’re finding it difficult to get to a clinic or pharmacy to get vaccinated, 211 operators can help. They can provide transportation information and referrals based on your location and situation.
Call 211 or 1-866-698-6155 for help.
Call 211 or 1-866-698-6155 for help.
Lost your vaccination card? You can use your record of vaccination as proof
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Getting your vaccine: Know before you go
If you have a vaccination appointment coming up, you may be wondering what it will be like and how to prepare for it.
Here’s what you can expect at the appointment:
Here’s what you can expect at the appointment:
- You, and the person who is vaccinating you, will need to wear a face covering that covers your mouth and nose.
- The shot will be given in your shoulder so it’s helpful to wear a short sleeve shirt.
- The vaccine is free.
- You are not required to show identification or to give them a social security number.
- If you have health insurance, you may be asked to show your insurance card so that the clinic can bill the administration fee to them.
- After getting a COVID-19 vaccine, you will be monitored on site for at least 15 minutes. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and rare severe allergic reactions.
- You should receive a vaccination card with the CDC logo on it. Hold onto that card. You may also want to take a picture of your vaccination card in case you misplace it.
- Schedule your second dose from the same site where you received your first.
Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program can help qualified renters
As of May 19, 2021, qualified renters who have experienced financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic, and are at risk of homelessness or housing instability, may apply for the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP).
The program helps eligible low-income households with their past due rent and utilities. This program uses funds from the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which allocated a collective total of $280 million to Oregon. In most cases, approved applications will result in payments made directly to landlords and utility providers.
The program helps eligible low-income households with their past due rent and utilities. This program uses funds from the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which allocated a collective total of $280 million to Oregon. In most cases, approved applications will result in payments made directly to landlords and utility providers.
Air Quality - 1/30/2023
Source: AirNow.gov
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Facts about COVID-19 - How to protect yourself - How to Quarantine - How to Self-isolate
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Improving Ventilation in Your Home
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Smoking and vaping can make COVID-19 worseIf a person who smokes, or used to smoke, gets COVID-19, they are more likely to develop a serious case of the virus than someone who does not smoke. Quitting smoking protects you and others during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Alcohol consumption during COVID-19Alcohol use can increase the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome and pneumonia, which are sometimes associated with COVID-19.
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Remember to prevent lead poisoning |
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If you are staying home more due to COVID-19 (or doing home renovations), that’s an important thing to keep in mind.
Everyday objects we encounter at home, such as paint, cosmetics, spices and soil all may contain lead. It’s especially important to test your home for lead if you have babies or small children, or before beginning a home renovation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a great checklist for parents to determine if there is the danger of lead poisoning in their homes.
More information on preventing lead poisoning is available on the EPA web page.
Everyday objects we encounter at home, such as paint, cosmetics, spices and soil all may contain lead. It’s especially important to test your home for lead if you have babies or small children, or before beginning a home renovation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a great checklist for parents to determine if there is the danger of lead poisoning in their homes.
More information on preventing lead poisoning is available on the EPA web page.
Workplaces and Employers
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Lose income or hours at work due to COVID-19? You may be eligible for help with paying for rent, utilities, child care, or other benefits... Read More
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Paid leave available for COVID-19 quarantine or isolation
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Do you have to quarantine or isolate because of COVID-19 but don’t have paid time off?
A new program starts this week to help people who work in Oregon and need to quarantine or isolate due to COVID-19 exposure, but do not have access to COVID-19-related paid sick leave. The COVID-19 Temporary Paid Leave Program was created with $30 million received from the federal government to help Oregon respond to the coronavirus pandemic. People who qualify will receive a $120 per-day payment for up to 10 working days ($1,200 total) for the time they are required quarantine. Employees can apply online starting today at oregon.gov/covidpaidleave. The application form is available in English, Spanish, and Russian. Those who do not have access to electronic applications can call 833-685-0850 (toll-free) or 503-947-0130. Those who need help in a language other than these three can call 503-947-0131 for help. |
The Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) and the Department of Revenue are collaborating on the new program to ensure employees meet the necessary eligibility requirements. To see if you meet them, take this eligibility quiz, or see the requirements on the DCBS site.
Because the available funds are limited, applicants can claim only one quarantine period.
Because the available funds are limited, applicants can claim only one quarantine period.
Outbreaks in Workplaces - Indoor Air Safety and COVID-19
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County Information
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Local Resources
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